The Department for Transport has confirmed that mechanics who deliver or take LGVs for annual test will be exempt from the Driver CPC.

After a consultation exercise, the DfT has specifically excluded mechanics who are: delivering vehicles for repair, as long as no goods are being carried, the vehicle is not being used for hire or reward, driving is not their main job and the vehicle remains within 50km of base; taking a vehicle to an annual test at a Vosa or authorised testing facility.

“But making the training compulsory for those who only drive HGVs over short distances – because they are delivering them for repair or testing – is costly and time-consuming. That is why we are making these exemptions which will reduce costs and administration for businesses.”

The Freight Transport Association called it a “commonsense decision” that had taken too long for the DfT to make.

“Professional lorry drivers have to work within a plethora of rules aimed at improving road safety, and it’s right that those driving for a living every day have access to continuous refresher training,” said FTA head of road freight and enforcement policy James Firth.

“But a mechanic who only ever drives HGVs on a public road to test them or take them for their statutory annual test, should not need to take the same refresher training as a professional, full time lorry driver.”